Rev. John T. McLoughlin, Pastor
Rev. Msgr. James K. Vaughey, Pastor Emeritus
Rev. L. Praxid DeSilva, Parochial Vicar
Rev. Eddie Conway, O.F.M. Cap., Weekend Assistant
Mr. Kevin P. Richards, Director Religious Education
Ms. Dana Castille, Administrative Assistant to Religious Education
Mass Schedule
St. Theresa’s – Monday thru Friday – 6:45am, 9 am; Saturday – 8 am, 9 am; Sunday Vigil – 5:15 pm; Sunday - 7:45 am, 9, 10:45, 12:45 pm
Our Lady of the Wayside (Millwood) – Sunday Vigil – 5:00 pm; Sunday – 9 am, 10:30 am
Confession Schedule
St. Theresa’s – Saturday 4:00-4:45 pm
Our Lady of the Wayside – Saturday 4:00-4:45 pm
Table of ContentsStatement of Philosophy / 3
Our Mission / 4
Letter of Welcome / 5
Introductory Remarks / 6
Admission and Placement / 8
Sacramental Preparation / 9
Attendance & Absences / 12
Code of Conduct & Discipline
Homework & Testing / 15
16
Progress Reports
Curriculum
Family Catechesis
Safe Environment
Safety
Some Final Thoughts…Parent Facts / 17
17-18
19
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20
STATEMENT OF PHILOSOPHY
At your child’s Baptism the priest offered this prayer for you as fathers and mothers: “God is the giver of all life human and divine. May He bless the fathers of these children. With their wives they will be the first teachers of their children in the ways of faith. May they also be the best teachers bearing witness to the faith by what they say and do, in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
In addition to instructing your children in Christian truth, we welcome the opportunity to assist you in fulfilling your primary obligation to help you teach your children to walk in ways of faith. This can only be done when each family places Jesus Christ and His teachings at the center of their lives through Sunday worship, family prayer and daily living of the Christian message. Regular attendance at Sunday Mass with your children is an essential part of their religious education.
We look forward to genuine cooperation with you in communicating Catholic Christian values to your children. We need to pray, talk and plan together. In this way we can draw fully from Sacred Scripture and Church teachings and work to support each other in instilling them in our children who need these values so much in today’s world.
May God bless us in the work of Christian Education which we carry on in His name.
______
Rev. John T. McLoughlinMr. Kevin P. Richards
PastorDirector of Religious Education
OUR MISSION
The mission of St. Theresa’s Parish is to be a welcoming and rewarding spiritual resource for all who…
Rejoice in,
Believe in, or
Wonder about…
the promises of the Church established by
Our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
As our Parish Community continues to grow in faith, it will reach out to serve…
Those who have special needs,
Those who wish to learn more about the Church and
Those who have concerns about the Church.
A Letter of Welcome from Mr. Richards to the St. Theresa Religious Education Community
INTRODUCTORY REMARKS
Living a Christian Life
Living a Catholic life is not accomplished by simply attending Mass or Religious Education classes. It is a lifestyle that is to be witnessed everyday by what we say and what we do at home, at work, at school and at play.
Parish Registration
All families of the St. Theresa Religious Education Program are required to be registered Parishioners of St. Theresa’s Parish. Registering your child for Religious Education classes does not automatically register you as a parishioner. Registration can be done in person at the Rectory located at 1394 Pleasantville Road (beige building) or by going to and clicking on the registration tab.
Weekly Contributions - “All who believed were together and had all things in common” – Acts 2:44
All registered parishioners can choose either the envelope or Parish Pay online donation system. As a parishioner, you are expected to contribute at least $250 annually through weekly Mass attendance. Parish Pay particularly benefits the Parish as if you are at another parish, bad weather, etc. St. Theresa’s can still sustain its weekly needs. Visit for more information on weekly, automatic online donations.
Mass Attendance
An integral part of our Religious Education Program is that the children are expected to attend Mass on Sundays and Holy Days of Obligation[1] and participate fully in the sacramental life of the Church. Learning in class can be truly effective only when one meets the Lord sacramentally at the altar. For this reason, children will be expected to SIGN-IN using a Mass Attendance Log when attending weekly Mass either at St. Theresa or Our Lady of the Wayside. Excessive absences from Mass will be noted and if necessary brought to the attention of the Pastor, which could affect the child’s successful completion of the program/readiness for reception of the sacraments. If you and your child attend another church, get the bulletin signed by the priest after Mass, have the child put their name on the bulletin, and bring it to the Religious Education Office. Traveling? Find local churches anywhere in the US by typing in a zip-code at
The Role of the Parent
The parent[2] has the primary and sacred responsibility to educate his/her children in the Catholic faith. The St. Theresa Parish Religious Education Program is established to assist parents and families in fulfilling this responsibility.
It is essential to the child’s growth and development in the Catholic faith that the parents live the life of faith at home; the effectiveness of the religious education process radically depends upon this. The child learns in the religious education classes that celebrating the Eucharist on Sunday in the local parish as a community of faith is essential to being a Catholic. Therefore, the child is expected to attend the weekly Sunday or Saturday evening liturgy supported by his/her parents.
It is obvious that the values of parents become the values of the child. The child receives a “mixed message” which causes inner conflict when what is taught in Religious Education classes is not experienced by the child in his/her family
The Director should be informed by the custodial parent of the rights of the non-custodial parent as these pertain to the child’s participation in the program as well as release from the program.
The Role of the Child
Regular attendance at Sunday Mass and Holy Days of Obligation, regular participation in the Rite of Reconciliation (when properly prepared), and living a moral life that reflects the values and teachings of Jesus Christ all contribute to one’s spirituality.
The religious obligations of children enrolled in the program include:
Participation in the Eucharistic Celebration of the Mass on all Sundays and Holy Days of Obligation (there are six in the Archdiocese of New York);
Experiencing the Lord’s forgiveness by receiving the Sacrament of Penance frequently, at least once a year is required, but more frequently is recommended;
Leading a sacramental life, frequently receiving the Eucharist and following the laws, norms and guidelines that tell Catholics how to love God and neighbor (i.e., The Ten Commandments, Corporal Works of Mercy, The Beatitudes, Spiritual Works of Mercy and the Laws of the Church.)
The classroom obligations of children enrolled in the Religious Education program are:
Weekly attendance at Religious Education classes;
Proper preparation for class instruction ... Bring textbook, pencil or notebook to class;
Completion of homework;
Participation in class discussions and activities;
Satisfactory completion of special assignments;
Knowledge of Prayers required at each grade level;
Doing the very best work possible.
The Role of the Religious Education Director
The Director of the Religious Education Program of St. Theresa Parish is delegated by the Pastor to be responsible for the development, implementation and administration of the parish catechetical program, in accordance with the Guidelines of the Archdiocese of New York. His/her responsibilities include the following:
Be a resource person for parents, catechists and other adults of the parish.
Implement the principles of civil law concerning the safety of the children in accordance with the Archdiocesan Safety Guidelines.
Provide catechesis (i.e. religious education) for all children of the parish including those who have physical, emotional, mental or learning disabilities.
The Role of the Catechist
The catechist is a person of faith who has the task of creating the atmosphere of the Holy Spirit to bring about growth in faith among believers. The primary mission of catechists is to communicate God’s love to those entrusted to their care, by proclaiming the good news of Jesus Christ. This is accomplished through the fourfold activities of message, community, worship and service. The tasks of the catechist are: to help individuals grow in their personal faith & spirituality; to assist individuals as they are initiated into the faith community and its life, worship, symbols and practices; to attend Catechist Formation Classes leading toward personal fulfillment and certification; and to pass on a world view, a set of shared meanings and values that are Catholic and Christian.
Admission and Placement
Because we are all of the one, human race, we welcome all children of catechetical* age in the regular Religious Education programs regardless of sex, national origin or handicapping conditions. We do encourage those registering children for the first time to register in the parish if they have not done so already.
*catechetical age=baptized children who are age 6 and above.
Note: Our Catechesis of the Good Shepherd program begins at age 3.
Initial Registration
A parent/guardian must personally come to the Office of Religious Education and bring a copy of the child’s baptismal certificate if s/he has missed the scheduled in-person registration date(s).
Re-Registration
Returning families may re-register at the scheduled in-person registrations or bring/mail registrations that the Office of Religious Education has sent. Please note: it is necessary to complete the student information form and family registration annually.
Complete registration must include:
- Family registration form listing each child to be enrolled
- Individual student information record including medical emergency (this may be done the first class session)
- Completion of Gifts & Talents Volunteer form
- Tuition fees (please contact the Office of Religious Education about financial concerns/questions/assistance). Please see separate Tuition & Fees Schedule.
Special Religious Education
As stated above, all children are welcome to receive Religious Education. We do our best to minister to the religious and spiritual needs of persons with a physical, mental, or emotional disability which may impair their functioning in a regular classroom. The child with a disability may require individualized instruction in a small group, one-on-one setting, or, if assistance is available, may be mainstreamed into the regular catechetical program. In consultation with the parent, the Director will appropriately place each child in a program that will address his/her special needs and encourage further spiritual growth.
Transfers
Any family with a child(ren) transferring from another parish must request the former parish to forward that child’s Permanent Record card to St. Theresa Office of Religious Education. The Permanent Record card includes dates and places of sacramental celebrations and other pertinent information.
Placement
Faith-formation is lifelong! The parish Religious Education programs provide support to families in handing on the faith to their children and young adults through high school.
To ensure seamless faith-formation, the preparation for First Communion requires the first two years of Religious Education. A child older than the first grade entering the RE program without previous formal religious education needs to complete the first and second levels of preparation prior to receiving 1st Holy Communion. After completing the required curriculum of the levels missed, the child will be placed in the appropriate grade level.
A child who drops out of the RE program after receiving First Communion will be required to complete the curriculum for the grade level(s) missed for re-entry to the program.
Religious Education Sessions
Level 1-4 / Sunday / 10:00 am – 11:30 amLevel 5 & 6 / Monday/Tuesday / 5:00 pm – 6:30 pm
Level 7 & 8 / Monday/Tuesday / 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm
Catechesis of the Good Shepherd / TBA / TBA
SACRAMENTAL PREPARATION
Our full initiation into the Church occurs in stages.Christian Initiation is celebrated in the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist. Begun in Baptism, the initiation is continued in the celebration of Reconciliation, Eucharist and Confirmation. Through these visible actions a young person is incorporated into the Church and shares its mission in the world.
Our Religious Education programs include specific preparation for Reconciliation, First Holy Communion and Confirmation. However, the child’s attendance in classes does not automatically guarantee reception of the sacraments. Requirements for the reception of First Reconciliation, Eucharist and Confirmation are determined by Canon Law according to the following:
- Age of reason (to be able to distinguish right from wrong);
- Proper knowledge of sacraments;
- Emotional and spiritual preparation;
- Approval by parent, catechist, Director and Pastor.
A young (baptized) person who plans to receive the sacraments of First Penance and First Holy Communion must have completed one full year of the catechetical program (not counting kindergarten) and be currently enrolled in his/her second year.
The Sacrament of Reconciliation:“Reform your lives and believe in the gospel.” (Mark 1:15). Jesus began His work on earth by calling people to repentance and faith. The sacrament of Reconciliation, the sacrament of God’s love and forgiveness, continues the Lord’s work of forgiving and reconciling. Catechesis of children for reconciliation must always respect the natural disposition, ability, age and circumstances of individuals as it seeks to:
make clear the relationship of the sacrament to the child’s life;
help the child recognize moral good and evil, repent of wrong doing, and turn to Jesus and the Church for forgiveness.
encourage the child to see that, in this sacrament, faith is expressed by being forgiven and forgiving;
encourage the child to approach the sacrament freely and regularly.
All children preparing to receive their First Eucharist must first be instructed and prepared to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation.
Preparation of children for Reconciliation starts in the second grade level and is a joint effort between parent and catechist. Instruction includes the second grade curriculum covered each week in class as well as a focus on the sacrament of Reconciliation that that helps children learn what it means to share Jesus’ gift of Himself, to know they are forgiven, and understand that they belong to the community of Jesus’ friends – the Church.
Responsibilities of Parents as their Child prepares for Reconciliation:
Parents’ example is extremely important. Because parents are the primary educators of their children, they are responsible for initiating their children into the sacramental life of the church. Parents/guardians are expected to:
serve as models for their children by being moral Christians;
attend weekly Mass as a family
receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation regularly with their families;
help children in forming a good conscience and a Christian code of morality;
attend parent sessions and participate in activities and prayer services that are planned to help their child prepare for the Sacrament of Reconciliation;
take time with their child to talk about reconciliation, to read Bible stories and to pray together;
determine their child’s readiness for Reconciliation.
The Sacrament of the Holy Eucharist“I am the living bread that came down from heaven; whoever eats this bread will live forever; and the bread that I will give is my flesh for the life of the world.” (John 6:51) The Eucharistis the heart of Christian life. Catechesis in the sacrament of the Holy Eucharist helps children understand that the celebration of the Eucharist forms and nourishes the faithful with Jesus, the Bread of Life. We seek to strengthen their awareness of the Father’s love, of the call to participate in Christ’s sacrifice, and of the gift of the Spirit. Children are taught that the Holy Eucharist is the real Body and Blood of Christ, and what appears to be bread and wine are actually Jesus’ Body and Blood. They learn that the Eucharist is both meal and sacrifice and that it is a memorial of the Last Supper.
Parents intimately involved in preparing their children for First Communion often grow in understanding and appreciation of the Eucharist and participate readily in catechizing their children.
All children preparing to receive their First Eucharist must have already received the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Catechesis for First Communion is conducted separately from catechesis for the Sacrament of Reconciliation since each sacrament requires its own concentrated preparation. Preparation for First Communion is a joint effort of the parents and catechists as described below:
The Second grade curriculum is covered weekly in class by the catechist and followed up at home by the parent;
The First Eucharist program helps explain the Eucharist to children, familiarize them with the main events of Jesus’ life, help them to participate more meaningfully in the action of Mass, and to receive Christ’s body and blood in Communion in an informed and reverent manner;
The children learn that they may receive Holy Communion in the hand, on the tongue and under both species. Catechesis includes making the children aware of the Church’s requirements for fasting (no food or drink except water or medicine for one hour before receiving Communion).
Responsibilities of Parents as their Child prepares for First Eucharist:
Since parents are the primary educators of their children, they are responsible for initiating their children into the sacramental life of the church. Parents are also expected to:
serve as models for their children by being moral Christians;
participate in Sunday Mass regularly with their families;
nurture their child in faith;
attend scheduled parent sessions and participate in any activities and prayer services that are planned to help their child prepare for this important sacrament of Holy Eucharist;